Guterres: “United Europe essential to keep peace in ‘chaotic’ world”

BONN, FEBRUARY 15 – The new UN secretary general, António Guterres, has described the world as “largely chaotic” and said that a united Europe is essential to prevent it succumbing to deepening conflict.

In an interview with the Guardian and a group of newspapers including La Stampa before two critical global meetings this week in Bonn and Munich, Guterres warned of the advent of a particularly dangerous moment in history, drawing a parallel with the run-up to the first world war. Only a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation could head off the gathering danger, he said.

“Europe’s ability to keep faith in its unity and cohesion could be a key stabilising factor at a perilous time, he suggested. “I think to move into a functional multipolar world, the role of Europe is absolutely essential,” Guterres said, declaring himself “a strong believer in a united Europe” on the world stage, playing a positive role politically and in terms of development and humanitarian aid.

The Secretary General made his remarks to reporters from the Guardian, France’s Le Monde, Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung and La Stampa of Italy, part of a collaborative media group known as Europa.